10 Pop-Ups Worth Visiting This January
From giant balloon exhibits to the return of Canary Wharf Winter Lights, we’ve rounded up the very best pop-ups landing this January. Whether you’re looking for date night ideas, foodie experiences or just find yourself at a loose end at any point, read on to inspire your month ahead.
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Returning for its eighth year, Canary Wharf is set once again to be transformed into a winter light festival. This giant outdoor art exhibition brings together works from leading light artists from around the world for an epic journey.
Expect to uncover 12 mesmerising installations, as well as Canary Wharf’s popular permanent light artworks, exploring the juxtaposition of nature and technology.
After all, who said light displays had to be solely reserved for Christmas?
When: 17.01.2024 – 27.01.2024
Where: Across Canary Wharf
Website: www.canarywharf.com
Mam Sham x HERE at Outernet
Following the success of their sell-out dining experience, Mam Sham is back at it again with an exciting January supper club. Taking over HERE at Outernet, the talented foodie duo will be combining creative food with comedy through three courses and three comedy acts.
The pair will be joined alongside renowned comedians Ed Gamble, Rose Matafeo and Crybabies for a night of stand-up. Each routine will be followed by a dish bringing the performance to the plate. Expect foodie collaborations with FKA Black Axe Mangal, Ling Ling’s x Mambow and Supa Ya Ramen.
When: 18.01.2024
Where: Outernet London, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 8LH
Website: www.mamsham.com
Balloon Museum
You may have seen this one grace your TikTok and Insta feed already, but the Balloon Museum has landed in London for a short two-month stint and it’s already causing quite a stir.
Centred around the element of ‘air’, the experience features giant out-of-scale installations, unexpected shapes and interactive areas for all to get involved with.
Perfect for adults and children alike, this immersive museum is bound to bring a smile to your face. Plus, it probably doesn’t get more Instagrammable than this.
When: Until 18.02.2024
Where: 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, EC3R 6DX
Website: www.balloonmuseum.world
Battersea Power Station Light Festival
Battersea Power Station’s annual Light Festival returns this month, complete with even more illuminating and interactive experience than before.
From 25th January, the neighbourhood will be transformed with a free light art trail where Londoners can explore seven light art installations from British and international artists.
Expect everything from giant diamonds to illuminated butterflies, playable light pianos to cycling light battles.
When: 25.01.2024 – 25.02.2024
Where: Across Battersea Power Station
Website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk
The Gut ‘Re-Connect’ Talk & Dinner
If you struggle with gut issues, Anna Boglione, founder of The Gut, is here to help guide you through your journey. On 26th January, she will be inviting speakers and chefs who feature in her new book, Recipes to Reconnect, to discuss topics related to planetary and human health.
Taking over The Petersham in Covent Garden, the evening will see Anna in conversation with author Dr Alana Collen, discussing everything from recent science to improving gut health. Meanwhile Rachel De Thample, chef, author and fermentation expert, will be serving a seasonal four-course bespoke menu to enjoy throughout the evening.
When: 26.01.2024
Where: The Petersham, 2 Floral Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9FB
Website: www.petershamnurseries.com
The Costumes of Poor Things Exhibition
If you loved The Favourite, you’ll be equally excited for Yorgos Lanthimos’ new release Poor Things. This month, the Barbican Centre is letting you delve into the costumes behind the unusual film.
Starring Emma Stone, Margaret Qualley, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe, this strange narrative has critics and audiences hooked. Landing in cinemas from 12th January, it’s your chance to see the costumes designed by costume designer Holly Waddington up close.
When: Until 19.01.2024
Where: Level G, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Website: www.barbican.org.uk
‘Cute’ at Somerset House
An exhibition so adorable you’ll say ‘awww’, CUTE is Somerset House’s major new retrospective centred around the irresistible nature of cuteness in contemporary culture.
On view from 25th January until 14th April, the exhibition will take a look at how everything from video games to plush toys, emojis to internet memes have gained traction for being just so cute.
When: 25.01.2024 – 14.04.2024
Where: Somerset House, strand, WC2R 1LA
Website: www.somersethouse.org.uk
Soho London Independent Film Festival
If you’re a lover of film, you’ll want to bookmark the Soho London Independent Film Festival that’s landing this month. Dedicated to short films, it gives a spotlight to the voices that need to be heard and the stories that need to be told.
Taking over 75 Dean Street, this year’s line-up looks hugely exciting, with up-and-coming directors, writers, producers and actors on show. With over 50 films to watch across the four days, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Highlights include Sister Interrupted; I Am Light; FLITE; All Girls; Hottebaka; and Care.
When: 25.01.2024 – 28.01.2024
Where: 75 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3SQ
Website: www.soholiff.co.uk
London Art Fair
Expect over 120 galleries from the UK and around the world are set to exhibit at this year’s London Art Fair. Taking place from 17th January to 21st January, you’ll have the chance to see contemporary art collections from emerging and internationally renowned galleries, including the likes of Piano Nobile, Osborne Samuel Gallery, Elizabeth Xi Bauer and Koop Project.
Taking over Islington’s Business Design Centre, there’ll be a range of talks and tour programs, panel discussions and a diverse line-up on offer.
When: 17.01.2024 – 21.01.2024
Where: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH
WebsitE: www.londonartfair.co.uk
Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
Love everything Wes Anderson does? You’ll want to book tickets to the new exhibition from the Anderson-inspired Instagram page, Accidentally Wes Anderson.
Visitors will be taken on a visual journey through the world of photography, exploring over 200 real-life images that incorporate the charm and eccentric aesthetic of Anderson’s films. Displayed across seven distinctly themed rooms, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the pastel-hues, idyllic landscapes and grandeur that the film director is inspired by.
When: Until 17.02.2024
Where: 85 OLD BROMPTON ROAD, SOUTH KENSINGTON, SW7 3LD
WebsitE: www.feverup.com
